Brother vs brother: the colonial citizen soldier in Natal during the Anglo Boer War and the implications for later ACF Regiments in the 1950s and 1960s.

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Contree, No. 46 (November 1999) 131

BROTHER V5 BROTHER: THE COLONIAL CITIZEN SOLDIER IN NATAL

DURING THE ANGLO-BOER WAR AND THE IMPLICATIONS FOR LATER ACF REGIMENTS IN THE 19505 AND EARLY 19605

Mark Coghlan

(Military Historian, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Museum Service, and Regimental Historian, Natal Carbineers)

Opsomming

Daar is reeds baie geskryf oor die militere gebeurtenisse van die Anglo Boereoor/og, of die Tweede Vryheidsoor/og, veral gedurende die huidige eeufees herdenking. Die betrokkenheid van die swartes is een voorbeeld, maar hierdie referaat het te doen met die verband tussen die Engelse wit setlaars van die kolonie van Natal en die van Hol/andse afkoms, in die konteks van die reaksie van Natal administrasie tot die oor/og.

Dit is van belang dat vir die koloniste van veral die noordelike deel van die kolonie die Anglo Boereoor/og verskeie aspekte van 'n burger06rlog getoon het. Vir die wit inwoners van die distrikte was die oOr/og, aangedryf deur Britse imperialisme, glad nie welkom nie.

Die bitterheid van die aspek van die sogenaamde stryd tussen "Boer en Brit" het erge gevolge gehad, spesifiek in Natal waarvandaan die Natal Carbineers afkomstig

is. Dit was veral in die vroee dekades van die Nasionale Party regering (1948 tot

ongeveer 1965) dat dit gelyk het asof die Anglo Boereoorlog nog aan die gang was, en

dat "Engelse" militere eenhede soos die Natal Carbineers gestrafis vir hul/e sonde van 'n ha/feeu vantevore.

PART 1

Fighting the 'Natal Dutchmen'

The impact of the Anglo-Boer War on South Africa's history has been a major focus of academic reappraisal of the conflict. This paper reflects the legacy of Afrikaner-Natal English colonial settler conflict, with special emphasis on the relationship between the Nationalist government and the Natal Active Citizen Force (ACF) regiments between 1948 and the mid-1960s.

The Anglo-Boer War emphasis is on the Natal Carbineers, one of the colonial volunteer regiments mobilised on 29 September 1899. For the first six months of the war in Natal, the bulk of the Natal Carbineers, and other Natal regiments such as the Natal Mounted Rifles (NMR) was besieged in Ladysmith, apart from minor forays in the foothills of the Drakensberg.

Contree, No. 46 (November 1999) 131

BROTHER V5 BROTHER: THE COLONIAL CITIZEN SOLDIER IN NATAL

DURING THE ANGLO-BOER WAR AND THE IMPLICATIONS FOR LATER ACF REGIMENTS IN THE 19505 AND EARLY 19605

Mark Coghlan

(Military Historian, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Museum Service, and Regimental Historian, Natal Carbineers)

Opsomming

Daar is reeds baie geskryf oor die militere gebeurtenisse van die Anglo Boereoor/og, of die Tweede Vryheidsoor/og, veral gedurende die huidige eeufees herdenking. Die betrokkenheid van die swartes is een voorbeeld, maar hierdie referaat het te doen met die verband tussen die Engelse wit setlaars van die kolonie van Natal en die van Hol/andse afkoms, in die konteks van die reaksie van Natal administrasie tot die oor/og.

Dit is van belang dat vir die koloniste van veral die noordelike deel van die kolonie die Anglo Boereoor/og verskeie aspekte van 'n burger06rlog getoon het. Vir die wit inwoners van die distrikte was die oOr/og, aangedryf deur Britse imperialisme, glad nie welkom nie.

Die bitterheid van die aspek van die sogenaamde stryd tussen "Boer en Brit" het erge gevolge gehad, spesifiek in Natal waarvandaan die Natal Carbineers afkomstig

is. Dit was veral in die vroee dekades van die Nasionale Party regering (1948 tot

ongeveer 1965) dat dit gelyk het asof die Anglo Boereoorlog nog aan die gang was, en

dat "Engelse" militere eenhede soos die Natal Carbineers gestrafis vir hul/e sonde van 'n ha/feeu vantevore.

PART 1

Fighting the 'Natal Dutchmen'

The impact of the Anglo-Boer War on South Africa's history has been a major focus of academic reappraisal of the conflict. This paper reflects the legacy of Afrikaner-Natal English colonial settler conflict, with special emphasis on the relationship between the Nationalist government and the Natal Active Citizen Force (ACF) regiments between 1948 and the mid-1960s.

The Anglo-Boer War emphasis is on the Natal Carbineers, one of the colonial volunteer regiments mobilised on 29 September 1899. For the first six months of the war in Natal, the bulk of the Natal Carbineers, and other Natal regiments such as the Natal Mounted Rifles (NMR) was besieged in Ladysmith, apart from minor forays in the foothills of the Drakensberg.

Contree, No. 46 (November 1999) 131

BROTHER V5 BROTHER: THE COLONIAL CITIZEN SOLDIER IN NATAL

DURING THE ANGLO-BOER WAR AND THE IMPLICATIONS FOR LATER ACF REGIMENTS IN THE 19505 AND EARLY 19605

Mark Coghlan

(Military Historian, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Museum Service, and Regimental Historian, Natal Carbineers)

Opsomming

Daar is reeds baie geskryf oor die militere gebeurtenisse van die Anglo Boereoor/og, of die Tweede Vryheidsoor/og, veral gedurende die huidige eeufees herdenking. Die betrokkenheid van die swartes is een voorbeeld, maar hierdie referaat het te doen met die verband tussen die Engelse wit setlaars van die kolonie van Natal en die van Hol/andse afkoms, in die konteks van die reaksie van Natal administrasie tot die oor/og.

Dit is van belang dat vir die koloniste van veral die noordelike deel van die kolonie die Anglo Boereoor/og verskeie aspekte van 'n burger06rlog getoon het. Vir die wit inwoners van die distrikte was die oOr/og, aangedryf deur Britse imperialisme, glad nie welkom nie.

Die bitterheid van die aspek van die sogenaamde stryd tussen "Boer en Brit" het erge gevolge gehad, spesifiek in Natal waarvandaan die Natal Carbineers afkomstig

is. Dit was veral in die vroee dekades van die Nasionale Party regering (1948 tot

ongeveer 1965) dat dit gelyk het asof die Anglo Boereoorlog nog aan die gang was, en

dat "Engelse" militere eenhede soos die Natal Carbineers gestrafis vir hul/e sonde van 'n ha/feeu vantevore.

PART 1

Fighting the 'Natal Dutchmen'

The impact of the Anglo-Boer War on South Africa's history has been a major focus of academic reappraisal of the conflict. This paper reflects the legacy of Afrikaner-Natal English colonial settler conflict, with special emphasis on the relationship between the Nationalist government and the Natal Active Citizen Force (ACF) regiments between 1948 and the mid-1960s.

The Anglo-Boer War emphasis is on the Natal Carbineers, one of the colonial volunteer regiments mobilised on 29 September 1899. For the first six months of the war in Natal, the bulk of the Natal Carbineers, and other Natal regiments such as the Natal Mounted Rifles (NMR) was besieged in Ladysmith, apart from minor forays in the foothills of the Drakensberg.

Contree, No. 46 (November 1999) 131

BROTHER V5 BROTHER: THE COLONIAL CITIZEN SOLDIER IN NATAL

DURING THE ANGLO-BOER WAR AND THE IMPLICATIONS FOR LATER ACF REGIMENTS IN THE 19505 AND EARLY 19605

Mark Coghlan

(Military Historian, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Museum Service, and Regimental Historian, Natal Carbineers)

Opsomming

Daar is reeds baie geskryf oor die militere gebeurtenisse van die Anglo Boereoor/og, of die Tweede Vryheidsoor/og, veral gedurende die huidige eeufees herdenking. Die betrokkenheid van die swartes is een voorbeeld, maar hierdie referaat het te doen met die verband tussen die Engelse wit setlaars van die kolonie van Natal en die van Hol/andse afkoms, in die konteks van die reaksie van Natal administrasie tot die oor/og.

Dit is van belang dat vir die koloniste van veral die noordelike deel van die kolonie die Anglo Boereoor/og verskeie aspekte van 'n burger06rlog getoon het. Vir die wit inwoners van die distrikte was die oOr/og, aangedryf deur Britse imperialisme, glad nie welkom nie.

Die bitterheid van die aspek van die sogenaamde stryd tussen "Boer en Brit" het erge gevolge gehad, spesifiek in Natal waarvandaan die Natal Carbineers afkomstig

is. Dit was veral in die vroee dekades van die Nasionale Party regering (1948 tot

ongeveer 1965) dat dit gelyk het asof die Anglo Boereoorlog nog aan die gang was, en

dat "Engelse" militere eenhede soos die Natal Carbineers gestrafis vir hul/e sonde van 'n ha/feeu vantevore.

PART 1

Fighting the 'Natal Dutchmen'

The impact of the Anglo-Boer War on South Africa's history has been a major focus of academic reappraisal of the conflict. This paper reflects the legacy of Afrikaner-Natal English colonial settler conflict, with special emphasis on the relationship between the Nationalist government and the Natal Active Citizen Force (ACF) regiments between 1948 and the mid-1960s.

The Anglo-Boer War emphasis is on the Natal Carbineers, one of the colonial volunteer regiments mobilised on 29 September 1899. For the first six months of the war in Natal, the bulk of the Natal Carbineers, and other Natal regiments such as the Natal Mounted Rifles (NMR) was besieged in Ladysmith, apart from minor forays in the foothills of the Drakensberg.

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(") 0 _'§. Q)" :J 132 Mark Coghlan

Early Anglo-Boer War days

One squadron of the Carbineers (and one of the Imperial Light Horse), had been detached to Colenso on mobilisation, and in late November 1899 was attached to Sir Redvers Buller's Ladysmith relief column. Apart from the battle of Colenso, this Estcourt-Weenen Squadron played little part in the engagements of the reliefcampaign, but its scouting and reconnaissance elicited praise from several observers.' The first signs of English-Dutch settler antagonism in Natal arose as early as November 1899, when Boer commandos penetrated with virtual impunity as far south as Mooi River in the Natal midlands. During the first week of December the Carbineers became involved in the thorny matter of the alleged vandalism of abandoned settler homesteads by Boer commandos or disaffected 'Natal Dutchmen'. The Natal press carried numerous

indignant letters of protest denouncing this practice2 _{Some inflammatory}

contemporary histories of the war, such as that by Clement H. Stott (The Boer invasion

orNata!), also criticised the invaders. Referring to the period of Boer offensive success culminating in the investment of Ladysmith, Stott says:

The whole of the northern half of Natal was in their hands, and they now commenced to commit those atrocities which marred their otherwise courageous behaviour during this war. They went out in bands of two or three hundred, ruthlessly looting every deserted farmhouse they came

across, and wantonly destroying anything they could lay their hands on.3

Officially the Boer leadership denounced vandalism. On 16 October 1899,

Commandant-General Joubert made this clear to the inhabitants of the colony: "De Commandant-Generaal Joubert verklaart en maakt bekend aan aile invoners van de

Kolonie Natal dat... "4 Commenting on the occupation of Weenen on 17 November

1899, Stott fired off another hostile salvo: "They then entered into the shops and houses, taking possession of blankets, provisions, boots, clothes, and anything that could be of any service to them, loading their booty on to wagons which they had seized in the neighbourhood."s

This aspect of the war in Natal was to have far-reaching consequences. As far as the Dutch-speaking Natal colonists were concerned, there was an inclination to 'tar them all with the same brush', as reflected in the following Natal Police report for 1899:

For some time prior to the outbreak of hostilities the loyalty of the Dutch in northern districts of the colony was more than suspected, and the unanimous refusal of Dutch members of rifle associations to take the oath

1 Louis Creswicke, South Africa and the Transvaal War, II (Edinburgh, 1900), pp. 44-45. 2 The Natal Witness, 18 November 1899 and 30 January 1900.

3 Clement Stott, The Boer invasion of Natal (London, 1900), p. 107.

4 National Archives Repository, Pretoria (Hereafter NAR), Leyds Archives (LA) (i), telegram 58, 16/10/1899.

5 Stott, Boerinvasion, pp. 108-109.

132 Mark Coghlan

Early Anglo-Boer War days

One squadron of the Carbineers (and one of the Imperial Light Horse), had been detached to Colenso on mobilisation, and in late November 1899 was attached to Sir Redvers Buller's Ladysmith relief column. Apart from the battle of Colenso, this Estcourt-Weenen Squadron played little part in the engagements of the reliefcampaign, but its scouting and reconnaissance elicited praise from several observers.' The first signs of English-Dutch settler antagonism in Natal arose as early as November 1899, when Boer commandos penetrated with virtual impunity as far south as Mooi River in the Natal midlands. During the first week of December the Carbineers became involved in the thorny matter of the alleged vandalism of abandoned settler homesteads by Boer commandos or disaffected 'Natal Dutchmen'. The Natal press carried numerous

indignant letters of protest denouncing this practice2 _{Some inflammatory}

contemporary histories of the war, such as that by Clement H. Stott (The Boer invasion

orNata!), also criticised the invaders. Referring to the period of Boer offensive success culminating in the investment of Ladysmith, Stott says:

The whole of the northern half of Natal was in their hands, and they now commenced to commit those atrocities which marred their otherwise courageous behaviour during this war. They went out in bands of two or three hundred, ruthlessly looting every deserted farmhouse they came

across, and wantonly destroying anything they could lay their hands on.3

Officially the Boer leadership denounced vandalism. On 16 October 1899,

Commandant-General Joubert made this clear to the inhabitants of the colony: "De Commandant-Generaal Joubert verklaart en maakt bekend aan aile invoners van de

Kolonie Natal dat... "4 Commenting on the occupation of Weenen on 17 November

1899, Stott fired off another hostile salvo: "They then entered into the shops and houses, taking possession of blankets, provisions, boots, clothes, and anything that could be of any service to them, loading their booty on to wagons which they had seized in the neighbourhood."s

This aspect of the war in Natal was to have far-reaching consequences. As far as the Dutch-speaking Natal colonists were concerned, there was an inclination to 'tar them all with the same brush', as reflected in the following Natal Police report for 1899:

For some time prior to the outbreak of hostilities the loyalty of the Dutch in northern districts of the colony was more than suspected, and the unanimous refusal of Dutch members of rifle associations to take the oath

1 Louis Creswicke, South Africa and the Transvaal War, II (Edinburgh, 1900), pp. 44-45. 2 The Natal Witness, 18 November 1899 and 30 January 1900.

3 Clement Stott, The Boer invasion of Natal (London, 1900), p. 107.

4 National Archives Repository, Pretoria (Hereafter NAR), Leyds Archives (LA) (i), telegram 58, 16/10/1899.

5 Stott, Boerinvasion, pp. 108-109.

132 Mark Coghlan

Early Anglo-Boer War days

One squadron of the Carbineers (and one of the Imperial Light Horse), had been detached to Colenso on mobilisation, and in late November 1899 was attached to Sir Redvers Buller's Ladysmith relief column. Apart from the battle of Colenso, this Estcourt-Weenen Squadron played little part in the engagements of the reliefcampaign, but its scouting and reconnaissance elicited praise from several observers.' The first signs of English-Dutch settler antagonism in Natal arose as early as November 1899, when Boer commandos penetrated with virtual impunity as far south as Mooi River in the Natal midlands. During the first week of December the Carbineers became involved in the thorny matter of the alleged vandalism of abandoned settler homesteads by Boer commandos or disaffected 'Natal Dutchmen'. The Natal press carried numerous

indignant letters of protest denouncing this practice2 _{Some inflammatory}

contemporary histories of the war, such as that by Clement H. Stott (The Boer invasion

orNata!), also criticised the invaders. Referring to the period of Boer offensive success culminating in the investment of Ladysmith, Stott says:

The whole of the northern half of Natal was in their hands, and they now commenced to commit those atrocities which marred their otherwise courageous behaviour during this war. They went out in bands of two or three hundred, ruthlessly looting every deserted farmhouse they came

across, and wantonly destroying anything they could lay their hands on.3

Officially the Boer leadership denounced vandalism. On 16 October 1899,

Commandant-General Joubert made this clear to the inhabitants of the colony: "De Commandant-Generaal Joubert verklaart en maakt bekend aan aile invoners van de

Kolonie Natal dat... "4 Commenting on the occupation of Weenen on 17 November

1899, Stott fired off another hostile salvo: "They then entered into the shops and houses, taking possession of blankets, provisions, boots, clothes, and anything that could be of any service to them, loading their booty on to wagons which they had seized in the neighbourhood."s

This aspect of the war in Natal was to have far-reaching consequences. As far as the Dutch-speaking Natal colonists were concerned, there was an inclination to 'tar them all with the same brush', as reflected in the following Natal Police report for 1899:

For some time prior to the outbreak of hostilities the loyalty of the Dutch in northern districts of the colony was more than suspected, and the unanimous refusal of Dutch members of rifle associations to take the oath

1 Louis Creswicke, South Africa and the Transvaal War, II (Edinburgh, 1900), pp. 44-45. 2 The Natal Witness, 18 November 1899 and 30 January 1900.

3 Clement Stott, The Boer invasion of Natal (London, 1900), p. 107.

4 National Archives Repository, Pretoria (Hereafter NAR), Leyds Archives (LA) (i), telegram 58, 16/10/1899.

5 Stott, Boerinvasion, pp. 108-109.

132 Mark Coghlan

Early Anglo-Boer War days

One squadron of the Carbineers (and one of the Imperial Light Horse), had been detached to Colenso on mobilisation, and in late November 1899 was attached to Sir Redvers Buller's Ladysmith relief column. Apart from the battle of Colenso, this Estcourt-Weenen Squadron played little part in the engagements of the reliefcampaign, but its scouting and reconnaissance elicited praise from several observers.' The first signs of English-Dutch settler antagonism in Natal arose as early as November 1899, when Boer commandos penetrated with virtual impunity as far south as Mooi River in the Natal midlands. During the first week of December the Carbineers became involved in the thorny matter of the alleged vandalism of abandoned settler homesteads by Boer commandos or disaffected 'Natal Dutchmen'. The Natal press carried numerous

indignant letters of protest denouncing this practice2 _{Some inflammatory}

contemporary histories of the war, such as that by Clement H. Stott (The Boer invasion

orNata!), also criticised the invaders. Referring to the period of Boer offensive success culminating in the investment of Ladysmith, Stott says:

The whole of the northern half of Natal was in their hands, and they now commenced to commit those atrocities which marred their otherwise courageous behaviour during this war. They went out in bands of two or three hundred, ruthlessly looting every deserted farmhouse they came

across, and wantonly destroying anything they could lay their hands on.3

Officially the Boer leadership denounced vandalism. On 16 October 1899,

Commandant-General Joubert made this clear to the inhabitants of the colony: "De Commandant-Generaal Joubert verklaart en maakt bekend aan aile invoners van de

Kolonie Natal dat... "4 Commenting on the occupation of Weenen on 17 November

1899, Stott fired off another hostile salvo: "They then entered into the shops and houses, taking possession of blankets, provisions, boots, clothes, and anything that could be of any service to them, loading their booty on to wagons which they had seized in the neighbourhood."s

This aspect of the war in Natal was to have far-reaching consequences. As far as the Dutch-speaking Natal colonists were concerned, there was an inclination to 'tar them all with the same brush', as reflected in the following Natal Police report for 1899:

For some time prior to the outbreak of hostilities the loyalty of the Dutch in northern districts of the colony was more than suspected, and the unanimous refusal of Dutch members of rifle associations to take the oath

1 Louis Creswicke, South Africa and the Transvaal War, II (Edinburgh, 1900), pp. 44-45. 2 The Natal Witness, 18 November 1899 and 30 January 1900.

3 Clement Stott, The Boer invasion of Natal (London, 1900), p. 107.

4 National Archives Repository, Pretoria (Hereafter NAR), Leyds Archives (LA) (i), telegram 58, 16/10/1899.

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of allegiance to Her Majesty pointed conclusively ... to their disaffection,

and the existence of an intention to rebel should opportunity offer.6

133

However, it is important to strike a balance on this topic, and a report from the magistrate of the Estcourt Division, R.H. Addison, for 1900, is worth quoting:

The conduct of several of our Dutch farmers, especially that of Mr J.G. Hatting, of Rama, and Johannes Hendrik Hatting, of Blue Ball, Colenso, has been most praiseworthy during the Boer invasion. These men, although pressed by the enemy, refused to take up arms and assist them in any way.7

It is also recorded by a particularly jingoistic writer, George Clarke Musgrave, that several 'Dutch loyalists' in Newcastle resisted considerable Boer compulsion to join their

ranks after their occupation of that town on 14 October 1899.8

On one occasion, 7 December 1899, a force of between twelve and twenty four Carbineers joined a six-man Natal Police patrol that left Frere for the Gourton-Springfield area, where 150 head of cattle had been reported captured and two

suspects apprehended.9 _{In command was Major Alan Chichester of the Royal Irish,}

Buller's provost-marshall. On the return journey they were intercepted by several burghers from a nearby commando. "Major Chichester then ordered forward part of his troop with the prisoners in charge, while he and the rest of the men held the enemy at bay. A brief fusillade ensued, in which five of the enemy's ponies were killed, and several of the Boers were shot".'° However, the Boers had secured the available cover, and the small force retired towards Frere.

The files of the Natal government's Department of Lands and Works record that on 12 December four 'Natal Dutch' (J.H. Oosthuyze, A.M. Oosthuyze, D.J. Oosthuyze and M.J. Jansen) were sent in from Frere to stand trial by court-martial." Although the charges are not specified, evidence suggests that it was a sequel to the Chichester

expedition of the 7th. In December three Engelbrechts (Jacobus, Johannes and

Hermanus) were also tried for treason at Estcourt. They were sentenced to fines of

£200 and two years imprisonment. 12 The Natal Witness argued with some validity that

6 Pietermaritzburg Archives Repository (Hereafter PAR), NCP, Departmental Reports 1899,

Commissioner of Police, p. F9.

7 PAR, NCP 7/417, Departmental Reports 1900, Magistrate Estcourt Division, pp. B30-31.

• George Clarke Musgrave, In South Africa with Buller (London, 1900), pp. 91-92.

• The Natal Witness, 9 December 1899; Creswicke, Transvaal War, II, p. 152.

10 Creswicke, Transvaal War, II, p. 152; Bennett Burleigh, The Natal Campaign (London, 1900),

pp. 126-127,146 and 157; The Natal Witness, 12 December 1899.

11 PAR, MJPW 71, HP 8497/1899.

12 The Natal Witness, 12 and 15 December 1899; Times of Natal, 11 December 1899.

Brother vs Brother

of allegiance to Her Majesty pointed conclusively ... to their disaffection,

and the existence of an intention to rebel should opportunity offer.6

133

However, it is important to strike a balance on this topic, and a report from the magistrate of the Estcourt Division, R.H. Addison, for 1900, is worth quoting:

The conduct of several of our Dutch farmers, especially that of Mr J.G. Hatting, of Rama, and Johannes Hendrik Hatting, of Blue Ball, Colenso, has been most praiseworthy during the Boer invasion. These men, although pressed by the enemy, refused to take up arms and assist them in any way.7

It is also recorded by a particularly jingoistic writer, George Clarke Musgrave, that several 'Dutch loyalists' in Newcastle resisted considerable Boer compulsion to join their

ranks after their occupation of that town on 14 October 1899.8

On one occasion, 7 December 1899, a force of between twelve and twenty four Carbineers joined a six-man Natal Police patrol that left Frere for the Gourton-Springfield area, where 150 head of cattle had been reported captured and two

suspects apprehended.9 _{In command was Major Alan Chichester of the Royal Irish,}

Buller's provost-marshall. On the return journey they were intercepted by several burghers from a nearby commando. "Major Chichester then ordered forward part of his troop with the prisoners in charge, while he and the rest of the men held the enemy at bay. A brief fusillade ensued, in which five of the enemy's ponies were killed, and several of the Boers were shot".'° However, the Boers had secured the available cover, and the small force retired towards Frere.

The files of the Natal government's Department of Lands and Works record that on 12 December four 'Natal Dutch' (J.H. Oosthuyze, A.M. Oosthuyze, D.J. Oosthuyze and M.J. Jansen) were sent in from Frere to stand trial by court-martial." Although the charges are not specified, evidence suggests that it was a sequel to the Chichester

expedition of the 7th. In December three Engelbrechts (Jacobus, Johannes and

Hermanus) were also tried for treason at Estcourt. They were sentenced to fines of

£200 and two years imprisonment. 12 The Natal Witness argued with some validity that

6 Pietermaritzburg Archives Repository (Hereafter PAR), NCP, Departmental Reports 1899,

Commissioner of Police, p. F9.

7 PAR, NCP 7/417, Departmental Reports 1900, Magistrate Estcourt Division, pp. B30-31.

• George Clarke Musgrave, In South Africa with Buller (London, 1900), pp. 91-92.

• The Natal Witness, 9 December 1899; Creswicke, Transvaal War, II, p. 152.

10 Creswicke, Transvaal War, II, p. 152; Bennett Burleigh, The Natal Campaign (London, 1900),

pp. 126-127,146 and 157; The Natal Witness, 12 December 1899.

11 PAR, MJPW 71, HP 8497/1899.

12 The Natal Witness, 12 and 15 December 1899; Times of Natal, 11 December 1899.

Brother vs Brother

of allegiance to Her Majesty pointed conclusively ... to their disaffection,

and the existence of an intention to rebel should opportunity offer.6

133

However, it is important to strike a balance on this topic, and a report from the magistrate of the Estcourt Division, R.H. Addison, for 1900, is worth quoting:

The conduct of several of our Dutch farmers, especially that of Mr J.G. Hatting, of Rama, and Johannes Hendrik Hatting, of Blue Ball, Colenso, has been most praiseworthy during the Boer invasion. These men, although pressed by the enemy, refused to take up arms and assist them in any way.7

It is also recorded by a particularly jingoistic writer, George Clarke Musgrave, that several 'Dutch loyalists' in Newcastle resisted considerable Boer compulsion to join their

ranks after their occupation of that town on 14 October 1899.8

On one occasion, 7 December 1899, a force of between twelve and twenty four Carbineers joined a six-man Natal Police patrol that left Frere for the Gourton-Springfield area, where 150 head of cattle had been reported captured and two

suspects apprehended.9 _{In command was Major Alan Chichester of the Royal Irish,}

Buller's provost-marshall. On the return journey they were intercepted by several burghers from a nearby commando. "Major Chichester then ordered forward part of his troop with the prisoners in charge, while he and the rest of the men held the enemy at bay. A brief fusillade ensued, in which five of the enemy's ponies were killed, and several of the Boers were shot".'° However, the Boers had secured the available cover, and the small force retired towards Frere.

The files of the Natal government's Department of Lands and Works record that on 12 December four 'Natal Dutch' (J.H. Oosthuyze, A.M. Oosthuyze, D.J. Oosthuyze and M.J. Jansen) were sent in from Frere to stand trial by court-martial." Although the charges are not specified, evidence suggests that it was a sequel to the Chichester

expedition of the 7th. In December three Engelbrechts (Jacobus, Johannes and

Hermanus) were also tried for treason at Estcourt. They were sentenced to fines of

£200 and two years imprisonment. 12 The Natal Witness argued with some validity that

6 Pietermaritzburg Archives Repository (Hereafter PAR), NCP, Departmental Reports 1899,

Commissioner of Police, p. F9.

7 PAR, NCP 7/417, Departmental Reports 1900, Magistrate Estcourt Division, pp. B30-31.

• George Clarke Musgrave, In South Africa with Buller (London, 1900), pp. 91-92.

• The Natal Witness, 9 December 1899; Creswicke, Transvaal War, II, p. 152.

10 Creswicke, Transvaal War, II, p. 152; Bennett Burleigh, The Natal Campaign (London, 1900),

pp. 126-127,146 and 157; The Natal Witness, 12 December 1899.

11 PAR, MJPW 71, HP 8497/1899.

12 The Natal Witness, 12 and 15 December 1899; Times of Natal, 11 December 1899.

Brother vs Brother

of allegiance to Her Majesty pointed conclusively ... to their disaffection,

and the existence of an intention to rebel should opportunity offer.6

133

However, it is important to strike a balance on this topic, and a report from the magistrate of the Estcourt Division, R.H. Addison, for 1900, is worth quoting:

The conduct of several of our Dutch farmers, especially that of Mr J.G. Hatting, of Rama, and Johannes Hendrik Hatting, of Blue Ball, Colenso, has been most praiseworthy during the Boer invasion. These men, although pressed by the enemy, refused to take up arms and assist them in any way.7

It is also recorded by a particularly jingoistic writer, George Clarke Musgrave, that several 'Dutch loyalists' in Newcastle resisted considerable Boer compulsion to join their

ranks after their occupation of that town on 14 October 1899.8

On one occasion, 7 December 1899, a force of between twelve and twenty four Carbineers joined a six-man Natal Police patrol that left Frere for the Gourton-Springfield area, where 150 head of cattle had been reported captured and two

suspects apprehended.9 _{In command was Major Alan Chichester of the Royal Irish,}

Buller's provost-marshall. On the return journey they were intercepted by several burghers from a nearby commando. "Major Chichester then ordered forward part of his troop with the prisoners in charge, while he and the rest of the men held the enemy at bay. A brief fusillade ensued, in which five of the enemy's ponies were killed, and several of the Boers were shot".'° However, the Boers had secured the available cover, and the small force retired towards Frere.

The files of the Natal government's Department of Lands and Works record that on 12 December four 'Natal Dutch' (J.H. Oosthuyze, A.M. Oosthuyze, D.J. Oosthuyze and M.J. Jansen) were sent in from Frere to stand trial by court-martial." Although the charges are not specified, evidence suggests that it was a sequel to the Chichester

expedition of the 7th. In December three Engelbrechts (Jacobus, Johannes and

Hermanus) were also tried for treason at Estcourt. They were sentenced to fines of

£200 and two years imprisonment. 12 The Natal Witness argued with some validity that

6 Pietermaritzburg Archives Repository (Hereafter PAR), NCP, Departmental Reports 1899,

Commissioner of Police, p. F9.

7 PAR, NCP 7/417, Departmental Reports 1900, Magistrate Estcourt Division, pp. B30-31.

• George Clarke Musgrave, In South Africa with Buller (London, 1900), pp. 91-92.

• The Natal Witness, 9 December 1899; Creswicke, Transvaal War, II, p. 152.

10 Creswicke, Transvaal War, II, p. 152; Bennett Burleigh, The Natal Campaign (London, 1900),

pp. 126-127,146 and 157; The Natal Witness, 12 December 1899.

11 PAR, MJPW 71, HP 8497/1899.

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134 Mark Coghlan

had the bulk of the mounted volunteers not been trapped in Ladysmith, they would have

been a more effective check on Boer 100ting.'3

As early as 29 November 1899, the Natal government was fielding claims for losses from farmers south of the Thukela, as a result of the Boer invasion.14 One query came from the Mooi River Farmers' Association on 2 October 1899, through the pen of its

preSident, and attached Carbineer officer, George Richards.'5 _{This was prior to the}

outbreak of hostilities, and Richards was informed by the governor that "if Natal should be attacked it will be defended if necessary by the whole force of the Empire, and that redress will be exacted for any injury to her or to HM loyal subjects in the Colony due to such attack."'6 There was subsequently some dispute as to whether colonists "received any warning from the military authorities or otherwise of the advance of the Boer forces, or any intimation of the necessity for the removal of their stock."17 The issue of Boer raids, looting and compensation was to drag on until after the Boer forces had been evicted from the colony in June 1900. The Natal government deprecated the Boer actions, but was not pleased with the abandonment of the countryside by colonists:

The Government views with the deepest concern the desertion of their homes by inhabitants of certain of the country districts of the Colony through apprehension of ill-treatment by the invading forces of the South African Republic and the Orange Free State.

So far as the Government has been able to ascertain, the houses of those who have remained at their homes have not been interfered with,

nor have the occupants been subjected to personal ill-treatment. 18

On 24 May 1900, an impatient Buller wrote from Newcastle to the GOC, lines of communication:

The proper way to end a war is to defeat the enemy in the field. This you will never do if you scatter your forces and turn them into herds to guard cattle or sheep.

I am moving up towards Pretoria; I have left about the Drakensberg troops sufficient, in my opinion, to guard Natal from any serious raid; but

I cannot pretend that I can protect any particular farmer's cattle.'9

13 The Natal Witness, 23 November 1899.

14 PAR, PM 17, Minute Paper 9115/1899,29 November 1899.

15 PAR, CSO 1636, Minute Paper 762811899, Richards to Colonial Secretary, 2 October 1899. ,. CSO 1636, Minute Paper 7678/1899, Col. Sec. to Richards, nd.

17 PM 17, PM to Governor, 1 December 1899.

,. CSO 1633, Minute Paper 9445/1899, Government Notice, PU Sec, 22 November 1899.

19 PM 17, Minute Paper 3036/1900, Buller to GOC Lines of Communication, 24 May 1900.

134 Mark Coghlan

had the bulk of the mounted volunteers not been trapped in Ladysmith, they would have

been a more effective check on Boer 100ting.'3

As early as 29 November 1899, the Natal government was fielding claims for losses from farmers south of the Thukela, as a result of the Boer invasion.14 One query came from the Mooi River Farmers' Association on 2 October 1899, through the pen of its

preSident, and attached Carbineer officer, George Richards.'5 _{This was prior to the}

outbreak of hostilities, and Richards was informed by the governor that "if Natal should be attacked it will be defended if necessary by the whole force of the Empire, and that redress will be exacted for any injury to her or to HM loyal subjects in the Colony due to such attack."'6 There was subsequently some dispute as to whether colonists "received any warning from the military authorities or otherwise of the advance of the Boer forces, or any intimation of the necessity for the removal of their stock."17 The issue of Boer raids, looting and compensation was to drag on until after the Boer forces had been evicted from the colony in June 1900. The Natal government deprecated the Boer actions, but was not pleased with the abandonment of the countryside by colonists:

The Government views with the deepest concern the desertion of their homes by inhabitants of certain of the country districts of the Colony through apprehension of ill-treatment by the invading forces of the South African Republic and the Orange Free State.

So far as the Government has been able to ascertain, the houses of those who have remained at their homes have not been interfered with,

nor have the occupants been subjected to personal ill-treatment. 18

On 24 May 1900, an impatient Buller wrote from Newcastle to the GOC, lines of communication:

The proper way to end a war is to defeat the enemy in the field. This you will never do if you scatter your forces and turn them into herds to guard cattle or sheep.

I am moving up towards Pretoria; I have left about the Drakensberg troops sufficient, in my opinion, to guard Natal from any serious raid; but

I cannot pretend that I can protect any particular farmer's cattle.'9

13 The Natal Witness, 23 November 1899.

14 PAR, PM 17, Minute Paper 9115/1899,29 November 1899.

15 PAR, CSO 1636, Minute Paper 762811899, Richards to Colonial Secretary, 2 October 1899. ,. CSO 1636, Minute Paper 7678/1899, Col. Sec. to Richards, nd.

17 PM 17, PM to Governor, 1 December 1899.

,. CSO 1633, Minute Paper 9445/1899, Government Notice, PU Sec, 22 November 1899.

19 PM 17, Minute Paper 3036/1900, Buller to GOC Lines of Communication, 24 May 1900.

134 Mark Coghlan

had the bulk of the mounted volunteers not been trapped in Ladysmith, they would have

been a more effective check on Boer 100ting.'3

As early as 29 November 1899, the Natal government was fielding claims for losses from farmers south of the Thukela, as a result of the Boer invasion.14 One query came from the Mooi River Farmers' Association on 2 October 1899, through the pen of its

preSident, and attached Carbineer officer, George Richards.'5 _{This was prior to the}

outbreak of hostilities, and Richards was informed by the governor that "if Natal should be attacked it will be defended if necessary by the whole force of the Empire, and that redress will be exacted for any injury to her or to HM loyal subjects in the Colony due to such attack."'6 There was subsequently some dispute as to whether colonists "received any warning from the military authorities or otherwise of the advance of the Boer forces, or any intimation of the necessity for the removal of their stock."17 The issue of Boer raids, looting and compensation was to drag on until after the Boer forces had been evicted from the colony in June 1900. The Natal government deprecated the Boer actions, but was not pleased with the abandonment of the countryside by colonists:

The Government views with the deepest concern the desertion of their homes by inhabitants of certain of the country districts of the Colony through apprehension of ill-treatment by the invading forces of the South African Republic and the Orange Free State.

So far as the Government has been able to ascertain, the houses of those who have remained at their homes have not been interfered with,

nor have the occupants been subjected to personal ill-treatment. 18

On 24 May 1900, an impatient Buller wrote from Newcastle to the GOC, lines of communication:

The proper way to end a war is to defeat the enemy in the field. This you will never do if you scatter your forces and turn them into herds to guard cattle or sheep.

I am moving up towards Pretoria; I have left about the Drakensberg troops sufficient, in my opinion, to guard Natal from any serious raid; but

I cannot pretend that I can protect any particular farmer's cattle.'9

13 The Natal Witness, 23 November 1899.

14 PAR, PM 17, Minute Paper 9115/1899,29 November 1899.

15 PAR, CSO 1636, Minute Paper 762811899, Richards to Colonial Secretary, 2 October 1899. ,. CSO 1636, Minute Paper 7678/1899, Col. Sec. to Richards, nd.

17 PM 17, PM to Governor, 1 December 1899.

,. CSO 1633, Minute Paper 9445/1899, Government Notice, PU Sec, 22 November 1899.

19 PM 17, Minute Paper 3036/1900, Buller to GOC Lines of Communication, 24 May 1900.

134 Mark Coghlan

had the bulk of the mounted volunteers not been trapped in Ladysmith, they would have

been a more effective check on Boer 100ting.'3

As early as 29 November 1899, the Natal government was fielding claims for losses from farmers south of the Thukela, as a result of the Boer invasion.14 One query came from the Mooi River Farmers' Association on 2 October 1899, through the pen of its

preSident, and attached Carbineer officer, George Richards.'5 _{This was prior to the}

outbreak of hostilities, and Richards was informed by the governor that "if Natal should be attacked it will be defended if necessary by the whole force of the Empire, and that redress will be exacted for any injury to her or to HM loyal subjects in the Colony due to such attack."'6 There was subsequently some dispute as to whether colonists "received any warning from the military authorities or otherwise of the advance of the Boer forces, or any intimation of the necessity for the removal of their stock."17 The issue of Boer raids, looting and compensation was to drag on until after the Boer forces had been evicted from the colony in June 1900. The Natal government deprecated the Boer actions, but was not pleased with the abandonment of the countryside by colonists:

The Government views with the deepest concern the desertion of their homes by inhabitants of certain of the country districts of the Colony through apprehension of ill-treatment by the invading forces of the South African Republic and the Orange Free State.

So far as the Government has been able to ascertain, the houses of those who have remained at their homes have not been interfered with,

nor have the occupants been subjected to personal ill-treatment. 18

On 24 May 1900, an impatient Buller wrote from Newcastle to the GOC, lines of communication:

The proper way to end a war is to defeat the enemy in the field. This you will never do if you scatter your forces and turn them into herds to guard cattle or sheep.

I am moving up towards Pretoria; I have left about the Drakensberg troops sufficient, in my opinion, to guard Natal from any serious raid; but

I cannot pretend that I can protect any particular farmer's cattle.'9

13 The Natal Witness, 23 November 1899.

14 PAR, PM 17, Minute Paper 9115/1899,29 November 1899.

15 PAR, CSO 1636, Minute Paper 762811899, Richards to Colonial Secretary, 2 October 1899. ,. CSO 1636, Minute Paper 7678/1899, Col. Sec. to Richards, nd.

17 PM 17, PM to Governor, 1 December 1899.

,. CSO 1633, Minute Paper 9445/1899, Government Notice, PU Sec, 22 November 1899.